I Was in Love with You at That Time

At the after-party following the coming-of-age ceremony, I reunited with a close female friend from middle school with whom I had lost touch. We reminisced about the past, discussing candidly the things we can only talk about now and our regrets. Even now, she remains a friend with whom I can have open and honest conversations, but we couldn’t quite align when it really mattered. Romance is nothing like the world of fiction, with its highs, lows, and dramatic resolutions.

Original Publisher

kakuyomu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on I Was in Love with You at That Time "I Was in Love with You at That Time" is a short, bittersweet romance that explores the lingering impact of first love and the divergent paths life can take. While the premise intrigued me, my overall impression is somewhat mixed. ### First Impressions The story immediately grabbed me with its promise of unrequited love and the exploration of past versus present. The setup is classic: a male protagonist carrying a torch for someone from his youth, and the complexities that arise when their paths cross again. I was eager to see how the author would navigate these familiar tropes. ### What Works Well The novel excels at portraying the male lead's unwavering affection and the poignant nature of unfulfilled teenage romance. The narrative effectively captures the sense of nostalgia and the "what ifs" that haunt us when we reflect on past relationships. I found the writing to be evocative, painting a vivid picture of the characters' emotional landscape. The short story format allows for a focused exploration of these themes, preventing the narrative from becoming bogged down in unnecessary subplots. ### Areas of Concern I did find some aspects of the female lead's character arc troubling. Her choices, particularly in relationships, felt somewhat self-destructive and, at times, frustrating. The narrative choices surrounding her romantic entanglements raised questions about her agency and decision-making, leaving me with a sense of unease. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning **Proceed with caution! The following contains potential spoilers about the plot.** Some readers might be concerned about the female lead's relationship choices and their consequences. Her pattern of entering into relationships seemingly out of desperation, followed by infidelity and unhappiness, can be difficult to witness. The ending, while perhaps providing a sense of closure for the male lead, might feel unsatisfying for those hoping for a more positive outcome for the female lead. ### Final Verdict "I Was in Love with You at That Time" is a poignant but flawed exploration of first love and life's unpredictable trajectory. While the male lead's character and the nostalgic atmosphere resonated with me, I struggled with some of the narrative choices made regarding the female lead. If you're looking for a quick, emotionally charged read that delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the passage of time, this novel might be worth exploring, but be prepared for a potentially bittersweet and morally ambiguous journey.